Optical spectroscopy encompasses a range of light-based techniques used to detect, quantify, and characterize biomolecules. In drug discovery, it plays a vital role in both analytical workflows and high-throughput screening, offering rapid, non-destructive, and highly sensitive measurements.

Photodiode Array Detectors (PDA), (Diode Array Detector) DAD in HPLC
Used to monitor absorbance across multiple wavelengths simultaneously, enabling compound identification, purity profiling, and impurity detection in complex mixtures.

UV-Vis Spectrophotometry

A staple for measuring DNA, RNA, and protein concentration and purity (e.g., A260/A280 ratios). Essential for nucleic acid prep, protein quantification, and quality control in assay development.

Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Used in binding assays, enzyme kinetics, and cell-based assays. Fluorescent dyes and probes enable sensitive detection of molecular interactions, conformational changes, and cellular responses.

Microplate Readers (Absorbance, Fluorescence, Luminescence)

Central to high-throughput screening (HTS) and ELISA-based assays. These instruments rapidly quantify biomolecular activity, drug efficacy, and toxicity across thousands of samples.